Study Guide No. 12

Early Byzantine – 500-726 A.D.

Existing works of art defaced, destroyed, and/or neglected.  No new art commissioned.

Middle Byzantine – 843-1204 A.D.

Late Byzantine ends in 1453 with the conquest by the Ottoman Turks

Vocabulary

Eucharist
icon
iconoclasm
impost block
mandorla
paten
pendentive
squinch

Practice Essay Questions

Describe the major architectural features of the Church of Hagia Sophia.  Discuss this church with respect to patronage, architects, construction materials, and the access to different spaces within the church.  What was the relationship between this church and Old St. Peter's in  Rome.

Describe the plan and structure of San Vitale at Ravenna.  Why is this plan significant?

The apse mosaics of San Vitale have been said to embody the Byzantine ideal of "sacred kingship."  What iconographic features of the mosaics illustrate this concept?

What role did women play in the celebration of the Eucharist at San Vitale?  How did this affect the portrayal of Theodora in the Church of San Vitale?

Explain in detail the meaning of the apse mosaic form Sant'Apollinare in Classe.  Why is this work of art significant?

What are the key stylistic elements that characterize the Byzantine style as expressed in mosaics.

Define the term "monastery, and discuss the early history of the monastery, and explain why this development was significant.

Discuss in detail the function of Byzantine icons.  How were these similar to and different from Byzantine mosaics.  Cite two specific examples in your analysis.

Define the term iconoclasm, and explain why such a stance might have political and religious support.